Peak Asthma Season Means More Inhaler Puffs, and More Emissions
Inhalers used to treat symptoms of respiratory disease can be potent sources of greenhouse gases. Drugmakers are planning to roll out lower-emitting replacements.
Inhalers deliver medicine that’s critical for people with asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Photographer: PixelsEffect/E+Early fall is when asthma flare-ups peak in the US, and a warming climate is bad news for sufferers: It means more ground-level ozone, a longer pollen season and more wildfire smoke — all triggers for people with respiratory conditions.
While people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can experience worse symptoms due to climate change, many of the medications they’re prescribed also contribute to warming by emitting potent greenhouse gases. Pharmaceutical companies are looking to change that with lower-emitting inhalers that they plan to roll out by the end of the decade.